Scholten stumps in Boone, touting health care and immigration reform

By Michael Crumb, Editor mcrumb@amestrib.com

Tuesday

Oct 2, 2018 at 6:33 PMOct 3, 2018 at 2:20 PM

The Democratic candidate in Iowa’s 4th Congressional District pushed for reforms to the nation’s health care, education and immigration systems during a meet-and-greet Tuesday night at Des Moines Area Community College in Boone.

The event was attended by more than 70 people from Boone and Story County, creating standing-room only conditions in the room at the DMACC campus, where Scholten was asked about his stances on the issues.

Scholten, who is challenging long-time Republican incumbent Steve King in the Nov. 6 election, said one thing he will focus on if elected, is reforming the nation’s healthcare system.

“When I’m in office, I’ll push for a public option so we can stabilize the markets, have a Medicare buy in at 55-plus allowing people who want to retire to do so, and then we need to get a handle on prescription drug prices,” Scholten said. “My long-term goal is Medicare for all, but I think it will take several steps to get there.”

Scholten said he also wants to increase mental health services in Iowa, citing what he said was the state’s last-in-the-nation status in the number of mental health beds.

He also said he’s supports raising the minimum wage.

“But in this district we need to fight for $55,000, $65,000, $75,000 jobs,” said Scholten, a former baseball player from Sioux City.

He said former classmates of his aren’t working in Sioux City or the 4th District. Most have left Iowa, he said.

“We need to create the economy that can afford our children and my classmates, and that’s one thing I’m pushing for,” Scholten said.

On the economy, he said he’s not talking about providing incentives to big tech companies, like Google or Facebook, to open in the 4th District.

“I want to create a system of entrepreneurship that will lift ourselves up,” Scholten said.

He said giving financial incentives to big corporations takes money away to help revitalize rural American and pay for some the programs he and other Democrats support, like lowering college debt.

Scholten also discussed immigration, saying he supports a visa program that matches the nation’s modern economy, a pathway to residency and a pathway to citizenship.

“The immigration system is so backed up, it’s not easy to become a citizen,” Scholten said.

Scholten who is running in a district where registered Democrats are outnumbered by registered Republicans (Independents outnumber both party registrations) said there is “no special potion or one special thing,” that lead to a win in November.

“There are a lot of people who won’t vote for me, I realize that, but when you are authentic and you prove you are going to fight for the people in your district … and you’re going there with common sense and you’re willing to work with anybody and everybody, that’s what they want to hear.”

He said voters are frustrated with what’s happening in Washington and want change.

George Ensley, of Boone, said he thinks Scholten is doing all the right things in the final weeks of the race, particularly getting out to talk to people.

“J.D. has one of the best chances I see of making the whole way,” Ensley said.

Ensley said making college affordable is among his priority issues this election.

“The kids that do go to college come out with so much debt … they are a drag on the economy instead of being a spark plug for the economy,” he said.

Josh Ginger-Goodson, the vice chair of the Boone County Democrats, said Scholten’s personality makes him an attractive to voters, particularly young voters.

“He’s willing to be conversant and he’s very approachable,” said Ginger-Goodson, 28.

He also said Democrats and Scholten’s campaign are doing the legwork to reach independent voters and more moderate Republicans.

“I’ve been out there canvassing and knocking on doors and they’re sick of King and they want change and we’re giving them that change with J.D.,” Ginger-Goodson said.

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